Each week, I’ve been trying to group the images together in ways that make sense, but the current slide carousel is completely mixed up, chronologically speaking — I’m not sure if there was a reason.  So I’ve decided to finish up the current wheel (and the 1950s) by sorting the remaining slides into two categories: Places (this week) and People (next week).  After that, we’ll move on and jump ahead in time to a group of slides from 1978.   But that will come later on…

Fort Ross, on the Northern California coast in Sonoma County, is one of my favorite roadside stops and a place I’ve photographed myself; but this shot is from 1956. The park has gone through a lot of changes throughout the centuries; currently there is only one original building standing (the Rotchev House).   The chapel pictured above was destroyed by fire in 1970.  It’s since been rebuilt in a similar style.  Fort Ross State Historic Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

This slide is labeled “Near Garberville, 1956.”  Garberville is on the Eel River in Humboldt County, about 200 miles north of San Francisco. This is very beautiful country, especially if you love redwood forests!  Nearby you can find the One-Log House, Richardson Grove State Park, and the Chandelier Tree mentioned last week.

The Redwood House (top) and Paul Bunyan at the Trees of Mystery (1956).  The Redwood House (also known as One-Log House) was hollowed out in 1946, so it was probably no more than 10 years old at the time of the photo!  It’s still operating today as a snack and souvenir shop.  And since I showed you the Blue Ox last week, here is his companion, Paul Bunyan. This 49-foot-tall figure has been replaced and relocated a few times.  Nowadays he stands right next to Babe with his right hand raised in greeting, but back in 1956 (as you can see) he stood apart, next to the entrance to the trails, with his ax resting on his shoulder.

Beach north of San Rafael, Marin County

Coastline near Crescent City, Del Norte County

Next week, I’ll be back with the last bunch of 1950s-vintage images before we move on to the 1970s… with stuff I actually remember myself!